Bob Stane

Coffee Gallery Backstage Wants Clarity

Out with the old, in with the new.

To My Beloved Entertainers  (this is a mass message, it is not personal. Scores upon scores got it.)  You need not answer it.  Feel free to ignore me. Please.


From:  Bob Stane at The Coffee Gallery Backstage
We club owners are always grateful when you tell us you have a sparkling, new e mail address.
You give the new one out with generosity and pride.  Nice.
But, more often than not, you do not give us your old e mail address and tell us to "delete" it.  Not good.
Here is one of the many correct ways to do changes in snail mail or e mail addresses.:
We (your name, or names, and the name of your act here) have a new e mail (or snail mail) address.
Please make all changes:
Our new address is:  (fill in the blank).
Our old address was (fill in the blank)
These changes are effective immediately.
So simple and so time saving.  No more questions needed on the receiving parties' end.  Done & Done.

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When writing to a venue owner, brevity is not good.  Give a full, well thought out message.  Your full name is always appreciated. Really. ("Joe" does not cut it). The name of your act is even more cherished. Really, really. Then give the day and date of your engagement, if one is already set.  No matter how many times you write rehashing details, somewhere in the subject line or in the first paragraph, give your name, your act's name (if it is not your proper name) and the day and date.  Do not say, "10/13."  Say, "October 13."  Language is a code.  Do not put a code within a code.  Oh.  Remember, we get around 50 messages (maybe more) per day.  We require mental jogging and a least a hint.  I am awful at guessing.  I need words.
Answer all questions the venue owner asks you.  If he, or she, asks 3 questions, answer 3 questions.  Not just one.
Read and re-read your e mail messages.  Make sure they make sense and flow smoothly and cover as much important information as necessary.  You need not drone on for pages and pages but your message should contain enough information, and written in a clear form.  Feel free to repeat important points. Brevity is not good.  Brevity usually means the person reading the message has got to write back for clarity or more information.
Say to yourself, "have I covered the subject?"  Does it "read" well.  I, Bob Stane, do not grade for spelling or punctuation.  I just want complete information.  I do not have time for multiple e mails asking for information that should have been executed within the first exchange.
Now, before you jump on me....no, my writing is not perfect, I am working on it.  Also, this is not exclusively my "gripe."  I get similar complaints and suggestions from the journalists and the radio announcers who are also frustrated with the incomplete communications from the folks in the communications business.

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A hint:  Phone calls to venue owners can be detailed and delicate.  It is best not to phone a venue owner on a cell phone.  Especially when entering a tunnel or riding in a subway.
Pay attention to the TV commercials about lousy reception and dropped calls.
Land lines are best.  Use phones with cords that disappear into walls.
And, remember, we venue owners like you.  If we didn't we would not be in this business.
Feel appreciated.  You are.
Best,
Bob, The Coffee Gallery Backstage